{"id":589,"date":"2024-08-04T17:43:01","date_gmt":"2024-08-04T17:43:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/travelshelper.com\/staging\/?p=589"},"modified":"2026-02-27T11:56:42","modified_gmt":"2026-02-27T11:56:42","slug":"khach-san-cung-cap-dich-vu-luu-tru-tai-hai-quoc-gia-cung-mot-luc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/travelshelper.com\/vi\/magazine\/unusual-places\/hotel-that-offers-a-stay-in-two-countries-at-the-same-time\/","title":{"rendered":"Kh\u00e1ch s\u1ea1n cung c\u1ea5p d\u1ecbch v\u1ee5 l\u01b0u tr\u00fa t\u1ea1i hai qu\u1ed1c gia c\u00f9ng m\u1ed9t l\u00fac"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Hotel Arbez Franco-Suisse is a small, family-run inn literally divided by the France\u2013Switzerland frontier. Situated in the Jura Mountains village of La\u202fCure (Les Rousses commune, France) on the France\u2013Switzerland border<\/strong>, it uniquely allows guests to dine, sleep, or even shower in two countries at once. Opened in 1921, the three-story alpine building has 10 rooms<\/strong> in total, with roughly one-third of its floor space in Switzerland and two-thirds in France. Today it is still run by the same Arbez family that bought the property in 1921, now in its fourth generation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hotel Arbez\u2019s novelty<\/strong> draws travelers and geography buffs: guests can literally lie in bed with their head in France and feet in Switzerland. Its common areas are marked by both countries\u2019 flags and border signage. In fact, the hotel\u2019s dining room and bar feature \u201cDouane \u2013 Zoll\u201d and flag emblems to remind diners of the international boundary slicing through the building. In short, this is not just a gimmick \u2013 it\u2019s a working hotel and restaurant with an unforgettable setting where the border is your roommate<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Facts (As of 2026):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Feature<\/th>Details<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Addresses<\/strong><\/td>France:<\/strong> 601 Rue de la Fronti\u00e8re, 39220 Les Rousses | Switzerland:<\/strong> 61 Route de France, 1265 La Cure<\/td><\/tr>
Coordinates<\/strong><\/td>~46.4643\u00b0 N, 6.0730\u00b0 E<\/td><\/tr>
Rooms \/ Floors<\/strong><\/td>10 rooms across 2 floors<\/td><\/tr>
History<\/strong><\/td>Family-run since 1921<\/td><\/tr>
Location<\/strong><\/td>~41 km (25 mi) east of Geneva (~50 min by car)<\/td><\/tr>
Transit<\/strong><\/td>~0.1 km from La Cure<\/strong> train station<\/td><\/tr>
Amenities<\/strong><\/td>Free Wi-Fi; free parking; bar & restaurant on-site; breakfast available (fee)<\/td><\/tr>
Languages<\/strong><\/td>French (primary); English spoken<\/td><\/tr>
Check-in \/ Check-out<\/strong><\/td>17:00 \/ 11:00<\/td><\/tr>
Pets<\/strong><\/td>Welcome for \u20ac10 per night<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What Is Hotel Arbez? Understanding the World\u2019s Most Unusual Border Hotel<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Hotel Arbez (pronounced Ar-bay<\/em>) is the world\u2019s most famous \u201cline house\u201d \u2013 a building bisected by a national border. It stands in La\u202fCure, a village split between the French commune of Les Rousses (Jura department) and the Swiss municipality of Saint-Cergue (Vaud canton). The border runs straight through<\/strong> the hotel: the dining room, kitchen, hallways and some guest rooms are cut in two by the frontier. For example, the dining room is literally<\/em> divided by the boundary. One half of the honeymoon suite\u2019s bed lies in France and the other half in Switzerland. Even the building\u2019s stairway is split \u2013 steps 1\u20136 are on the French side, while from the 7th step upward you are in Switzerland. Guests jokingly say they wake up in \u201ctwo countries at once,\u201d and the hotel plays on this in marketing and decor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

H\u00f4tel Arbez is still a modest, rustic country inn. It was converted into a hotel in 1921 by Jules-Jean Arbez and remains an affordable, 2-star Logis hotel. The log-and-stone lodge style, with exposed beams and local wood decor, feels cozy and old-fashioned. On one hand guests find modern comforts \u2013 free Wi-Fi<\/strong>, en-suite baths, heat, etc. \u2013 but on the other the rooms are small and somewhat dated. Cond\u00e9 Nast Traveler described it as having \u201crustic, two-star accommodations\u201d that many skiers and travelers still enjoy. The friendly owners and hearty Jura cuisine get frequent praise, though some say the premises feel tired. Practical details: the hotel has 10 guest rooms<\/strong>, basic but clean; each side maintains its own address (French side: Les Rousses, Swiss side: La Cure).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A convenient reference table summarizes the essentials:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hotel Arbez Franco-Suisse (La Cure, Jura)<\/strong><\/td>Details<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/thead>
Location & Address<\/td>La Cure, 39220 Les Rousses, France (also listed at 61 Route de France, 1265 La Cure, Switzerland). ~41\u202fkm east of Geneva Airport.<\/td><\/tr>
Border Situation<\/td>International border between France & Switzerland runs through the building. Dining room, kitchen, and some rooms bisected by line.<\/td><\/tr>
Rooms & Features<\/td>10 rooms (standard double, some triples) on 2 main floors. Each is simply furnished with a bathroom. Some rooms straddle the border (e.g. honeymoon suite); one suite is in Switzerland (bathroom in France). Free Wi-Fi throughout.<\/td><\/tr>
Owners\/Style<\/td>Family-run by Arbez family (4th generation). Alpine Jura chalet style, cozy and casual. Restaurant and bar (French side) serve traditional mountain fare.<\/td><\/tr>
Reservations & Rates<\/td>Book via official site or Logis Hotels. Rates range roughly \u20ac100\u2013\u20ac150\/night (seasonal) for standard rooms. Breakfast optional (\u20ac10). Check-in from 17:00, checkout by 11:00.<\/td><\/tr>
Amenities<\/td>Free parking on-site; bar & restaurant serving local cuisine; pets welcome (\u20ac10\/night); credit cards accepted (cash limit \u20ac1000 due to French law).<\/td><\/tr>
Nearby Activities<\/td>Ski resort at Les Rousses (downhill and 200\u202fkm cross-country trails); Jura hiking and nature parks; Swiss Vaud hikes (Mont Tendre); lakes and cheese farms.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Fascinating History of Hotel Arbez: From Border Dispute to Boutique Hotel<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Hotel Arbez\u2019s origins lie in a 19th-century border dispute over the Vall\u00e9e des Dappes<\/em>. This narrow valley, north of Geneva, had switched hands between France and Switzerland during the Napoleonic era (French annexation in 1802, Congress of Vienna 1815). By the 1860s both countries wanted a clear boundary. In December 1862<\/strong>, France and Switzerland negotiated the Treaty of Dappes: Switzerland agreed to cede the valley (about 7.6\u202fkm\u00b2) back to France in exchange for equal territory elsewhere. Crucially, the treaty specified that any existing buildings on the handover land would remain the owner\u2019s property. Enter local farmer Monsieur Ponthus<\/strong>, who foresaw an opportunity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the new border line was being finalized (effective Feb 20, 1863), Ponthus built a two-story sabaude<\/em>-style chalet directly on the soon-to-be frontier<\/strong>. He then opened a grocery\/shop on the Swiss side and a pub on the French side, profiting from duty differences (alcohol, tobacco, chocolate). When the treaty took effect, Ponthus retained his frontier house under the grandfather clause. In 1921 his heirs sold the land and building to Jules-Jean Arbez<\/strong>, who rebuilt and expanded it into the present hotel. Thus Hotel Arbez was born \u2013 and remained in the Arbez family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Historical Timeline:<\/strong> Key dates in the hotel\u2019s history.
– 1802:<\/strong> France annexes the Vall\u00e9e des Dappes (at Napoleon\u2019s request).
– 1815:<\/strong> Congress of Vienna restores it to Switzerland.
– Dec 1862:<\/strong> Franco-Swiss \u201cDappes\u201d Treaty drafted (ratified Feb 1863).
– 1862\u201363:<\/strong> Landowner Ponthus builds a house\/inn straddling the new border.
– 1921:<\/strong> Jules-Jean Arbez buys the property; opens it as H\u00f4tel Arbez Franco-Suisse.
– 1940s:<\/strong> WWII \u2013 Hotel becomes clandestine refuge (see next section).
– 1958:<\/strong> Owner Max Arbez proclaims micronation of \u201cArb\u00e9zie\u201d (Prince Max I).
– Dec 9, 1961:<\/strong> Preliminary Evian talks held in the hotel, leading to Algerian independence.
– Apr 22, 2012:<\/strong> Max Arbez honored by Yad Vashem as Righteous Among Nations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite its humble appearance, the hotel\u2019s history intersects with major events. The Franco-Swiss Dappes Treaty<\/strong> (1862) and its implementing acts are the legal foundation for the hotel\u2019s existence. Historical scholars note that the treaty deliberately preserved buildings like Ponthus\u2019s inn. In the mid-20th century Hotel Arbez gained international intrigue by virtue of that same geography, as wartime sanctuary and diplomatic meeting place (see below). Through it all, the hotel has quietly remained family-owned, a living relic of its borderland past.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hotel Arbez in World War II: A Building Divided, A Family United Against Tyranny<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The true heroism of Hotel Arbez emerged during World War II. From 1940 to 1945 the building sat on the line between German-occupied eastern France and neutral Switzerland. Amazingly, the hotel\u2019s layout turned into a secret escape route. The only stairway<\/strong> to the Swiss floors begins with its 7th step on Swiss soil. In practice, anyone who crossed into Switzerland on the staircase was beyond Nazi reach. The Arbez family \u2013 led by Max and his wife Ang\u00e8le \u2013 exploited this loophole. They sheltered Jews, downed Allied airmen, and resistance fighters<\/strong> in the upper rooms (the Swiss side) while Nazi soldiers prowled just outside on the French side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Documented testimonies indicate that hundreds of fugitives<\/strong> passed through Hotel Arbez during the war. Max Arbez would quietly slip people past customs guards or down the stairs to safety, essentially smuggling them from occupied France into Switzerland. On several occasions bullets from German patrols flew through the French dining room, missing by inches, while the escapees were already upstairs on Swiss soil. After the Liberation, Charles de Gaulle personally thanked the Arbez family for their bravery. In 2012 Max Arbez was formally recognized as Righteous Among the Nations<\/em> by Yad Vashem (Ang\u00e8le had received the honor posthumously in 2013).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Historical Note:<\/strong> Hotel Arbez\u2019s secret role in WWII hinged on its staircase. The border running through the hallways meant that \u201cby the time refugees had made that decisive step inside,\u201d they were in Switzerland and safe from Nazi laws. In effect, half the hotel was Belgian for the occupiers. This extraordinary story is central to the hotel\u2019s legacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Arbez family\u2019s courage is part of the hotel\u2019s living narrative. Ang\u00e8le and Max\u2019s young granddaughter later recalled, \u201cWhenever Germans were around, [my grandmother] used to hide the Jewish children upstairs in the border room.\u201d This quiet heroism turned the hotel into \u201can important waypoint for the organised Resistance\u201d. The contemporary owners still treasure these memories; as one current proprietor notes, \u201cthe beauty of this place and its history is that everything blurs, as if that line disappears\u2026 it is truly a place where anything is possible\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Secret Negotiations: How Hotel Arbez Helped End the Algerian War<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Arbez\u2019s neutrality advantage also played out in post-war diplomacy. In the summer of 1962, negotiators were finalizing the \u00c9vian Accords to end the Algerian War of Independence. Unofficial preparatory talks took place at Hotel Arbez on December 9, 1961<\/strong>. By a clever arrangement, French government delegates entered through the hotel\u2019s French side while leaders of the Algerian FLN came via Switzerland. Inside the dining room (bisected by the border), both parties effectively sat together<\/em> yet legally in separate territories. This neutral ground allowed frank discussions that led to a successful agreement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Historians credit the Franco-Swiss border setting with facilitating this rare meeting. As one account notes, \u201cFrench diplomats entered from France, Algerian representatives from Switzerland,\u201d making Arbez a perfect halfway point. The \u00c9vian Accords, signed in March 1962, granted Algerian independence the same year. While Hotel Arbez is not widely publicized in diplomatic histories, its role in these preliminary talks is a celebrated local legend. It stands today as a symbol of the hotel\u2019s recurring theme: borders both divide and unite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Room-by-Room Guide: Where Exactly Does the Border Run?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Dining Room:<\/strong> The large ground-floor dining hall is cut directly in half by the international line. One end of the room (marked by a small border sign) is France, the other end is Switzerland. The French and Swiss flags hang at opposite corners. This means that guests can literally sit in two countries at once while eating breakfast or dinner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bar:<\/strong> The hotel bar (on the ground floor facing the street) lies entirely on the French side. However, the border line passes just outside its front door. Bar stools and counters are all in France, so even smoking or drinking legally occurs under French jurisdiction here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Honeymoon Suite:<\/strong> The most famous room is the top-floor honeymoon suite. In this suite the bed is bisected<\/strong> by the border. Half of the bed (head end) is in France, the other half (foot end) in Switzerland. Waking up feeling truly \u201cbinational\u201d is the main novelty of this suite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Staircase:<\/strong> The guest staircase itself is a local legend. The first six steps are in France, but the 7th step crosses<\/em> into Switzerland. From that step upward to the top floor, the entire stairwell is Swiss territory. In practice, a guest who steps onto the 7th stair enters Switzerland without ever opening a door \u2013 one of the quirkiest border crossings imaginable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other Rooms:<\/strong> – One upstairs guest room has its bedroom in Switzerland but its bathroom in France. – There is a small annex building (added later) which lies completely in Switzerland. – Most other rooms are on one side or the other except for the special cases above.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This room-by-room breakdown has no peer on the web \u2013 few travel guides bother to detail exactly which side of the hotel each space occupies. It\u2019s a perfect illustration of the hotel\u2019s novelty and worth examining on any visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Practical Tip:<\/strong> If you\u2019re adventurous, try booking the honeymoon suite or requesting one of the split rooms. Even a standard room offers fun glimpses of the border (look for the line marker on the floor!). And remember: there\u2019s no passport check<\/em> if you walk from your bed in France to the bathroom in Switzerland. (Legally the building remains French property, so normal border formalities don\u2019t apply indoors.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Arb\u00e9zie Micronation: When Satire Met Sovereignty<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In 1958, owner Max Arbez<\/strong> whimsically declared the hotel its own tiny \u201cprincipality\u201d called Arb\u00e9zie<\/strong>. He styled himself Prince Max I<\/em> and embraced the idea of sovereignty for fun. Max designed a triangular flag<\/strong> (reflecting the shape of the property\u2019s border triangle) and even minted a fictional currency, the \u201cArb\u00e9zienne rupee.\u201d<\/em> He proceeded to name people as honorary citizens of Arb\u00e9zie: famously he granted Charles de Gaulle (then President of France) the first honorary citizenship during a state visit to La Cure. Other celebrities like explorer Paul-\u00c9mile Victor and author Bernard Clavel also received honorary titles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course, Arb\u00e9zie was never a real country \u2013 it had no legal status \u2013 but it added a playful chapter to the hotel\u2019s history. Guests today will still see Arb\u00e9zie souvenirs and the little flag displayed. The tongue-in-cheek micronation theme contributes to the hotel\u2019s charm. It\u2019s a reminder that at Arbez, the absurd (half a room in Switzerland?) is just routine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Look for the Arb\u00e9zie accoutrements \u2013 the framed \u201cpassport\u201d stamps and flag hanging in the lobby are perfect photo ops. The owners are proud of this quirky legacy and will happily tell you more about \u201cPrince Max I\u201d if you ask.<\/p>Insider Tip<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Visiting Hotel Arbez: The Complete Practical Guide<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Location & Access:<\/strong> Hotel Arbez lies at the mountain village of La Cure (altitude ~1100\u202fm), on Route 57 near the Swiss border. From Geneva Airport it is about a 40-minute drive (26\u202fmi): take the A40 toward Pontarlier, then D1005\/N5 through French Jura to La Cure. The nearest train station is La Cure<\/em> (on the Vallorbe\u2013Saint-Gervais line), just 100\u202fm from the hotel \u2013 although service is infrequent. A shuttle from Geneva via Vallorbe is an option in winter. French (EUR) and Swiss (CHF) currencies are both accepted, though prices and taxes<\/strong> are standardized on the French side (the hotel\u2019s operating company pays taxes in both countries).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rooms & Rates:<\/strong> The hotel has 10 simple guest rooms (mostly doubles, some triples). Each is modestly furnished in rustic Jura style. In France one pays in euros; if you find yourself on the Swiss side of the building, Swiss francs are also accepted (roughly 1\u202fCHF\u22481\u202fEUR). Rates vary seasonally (as of 2024 roughly \u20ac100\u2013\u20ac150 per night for standard rooms), and the breakfast buffet is optional (about \u20ac10 extra). Booking is done via the Logis Hotels network or the official site, which also offers occasional package deals (e.g. half-board, spa retreats). French law restricts cash payments to 1000\u202fEUR, but credit cards are accepted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dining:<\/strong> The on-site restaurant (French side) serves hearty Jura and Swiss dishes \u2013 think fondue, r\u00f6sti, grilled mountain meats and regional cheeses. Breakfast is available in the divided dining room (with both French and Swiss options). A bar\/lounge provides drinks and light meals. By tradition, if you sip coffee at one end of the dining room you are in France, and at the other end in Switzerland! Despite the international fun, the food is straightforward local fare. Planning Note:<\/em> The restaurant closes on some afternoons and in winter it can be booked up during busy ski weekends \u2013 check the schedule in advance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Amenities & Services:<\/strong> As noted, free Wi-Fi covers the whole property. Free self-parking is available on site (snow tires recommended in winter). Pets are welcome (nominal fee, \u20ac10 per night). The hotel can store ski equipment or bicycles. Reception speaks French and English. Practical details: check-in begins at 17:00<\/strong>; check-out by 11:00<\/strong>. A city tax (~\u20ac1.50 per person\/night) is charged on-site. (The hotel is governed by French regulations, so French smoking bans and safety rules apply to the entire building.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nearby Activities:<\/strong> La Cure is a ski and nature hub. In winter, Les Rousses ski resort (3\u202fkm away) offers downhill slopes and an extensive cross-country network (200+ km of tracks across France and Switzerland). Snowshoeing and sledding trails begin at the hotel doorstep. In summer, the area has hiking and mountain-bike routes in the Jura (French side) and nearby Vaud Alps (Swiss side). The scenic Vall\u00e9e des Dappes itself is lovely for walks and lakeside picnics. Cultural sites: a short drive leads to Swiss villages like Nyon or to the medieval Lake Geneva town of Saint-Cergue. Even on foot, one can walk a short loop that briefly enters Switzerland and returns (formalities waived under Schengen).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe Hotel Arbez sits exactly on the border, so each room has its quirks \u2013 bathroom in one country, toilet in another,\u201d says the current owner. \u201cWe pay taxes to France and Switzerland equally, and even the Swiss side had to obey the 2008 French smoking ban. It\u2019s a funny little world where the line disappears.\u201d \u2013 Alexandre Arbez, co-owner.<\/p>Local Perspective<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What Guests Say: Real Experiences at Hotel Arbez<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Travelers are drawn by the hotel\u2019s novelty and history<\/strong>. Reviews frequently mention the friendly, down-to-earth service (it is<\/em> family-run) and the unique thrill of \u201csleeping in two countries.\u201d Many guests enjoy the mountain scenery and hearty food. For example, Cond\u00e9 Nast Traveler notes that cross-country skiers still \u201cenjoy the rustic, two-star accommodations at the Arbez\u201d<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, guests also comment honestly on limitations. Rooms are small<\/strong> and the decor shows its age, so one shouldn\u2019t expect luxury. Some note that soundproofing is minimal and dated furnishings could be improved. (Insider advice: If peace and quiet are paramount, you might prefer staying off-peak or in the annex on the Swiss side.) In online ratings the hotel averages around 3\u20134 stars: Expedia shows a moderate 6.6\/10, for instance. Yet most agree it\u2019s \u201cclean and cozy,\u201d suitable for a night or two as an experience if not a high-end resort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pros:<\/strong> Unforgettable novelty (dining with half the room in another country); friendly multilingual hosts; hearty regional cooking; excellent location for Jura outdoors. Cons:<\/strong> No-frills rooms (space is tight); limited on-site amenities (no spa\/pool); and being on a main road means occasional traffic noise. Overall verdict: \u201cCome for the novelty, stay for the charm\u201d<\/em> \u2013 or at least for one memorable night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Budget travelers will appreciate that daytime visits (coffee or a meal at the bar) cost nothing beyond your order \u2013 you can actually pop in to see the border line without booking a room. Also, climbing the 7th step to Switzerland in sneakers is a fun photo-op (no passport check required!).<\/p>Insider Tip<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Legal Curiosities of Living on a Border<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Hotel Arbez raises many intriguing legal questions. Officially it is a single French-registered property (operated by SARL Arbez Franco-Suisse<\/em>) that just happens to sit astride two nations. In practical terms, the French side\u2019s laws generally govern day-to-day operations \u2013 for example, when France banned smoking in restaurants in 2008, the rule was enforced in the entire dining room (even on the Swiss side). Similarly, the local tourism taxes are paid to French authorities and split with Switzerland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The company itself pays taxes equally<\/em> to both countries. (This arrangement reportedly stems from a 1931 protocol that divided certain frontier earnings.) There have been odd entanglements: one example is that Swiss and French border guards would have theoretically authority up to certain walls inside the house \u2013 a situation that required special agreements. Yet for modern visitors, the difference is mostly fun, not formal. Today both France and Switzerland are in Schengen, so no passport checks are needed to go from one side of the hotel to the other. As one local attorney quipped, \u201ca cup of coffee in Switzerland and a visit to the restroom in France are merely steps away.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another curiosity: the Treaty of Dappes<\/em> itself protected the hotel\u2019s status. Because Ponthus built before the treaty\u2019s final ratification, his property was exempted from land swaps. In effect, Hotel Arbez exists by virtue of that old treaty clause<\/strong>. So the inn is a kind of vestige of 19th-century diplomacy. In short, the hotel operates under a blend of French and Swiss rules \u2013 a nuance reflected in its management (a French company) and its playful ethos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unlike some sensitive border zones, the areas around Hotel Arbez are open year-round with no internal border controls (thanks to the EU\/Schengen agreements). However, winter access can be trickier: roads may require snow chains, and the post-mortem customs houses in town have no staff (signs remain but no officers). Always verify seasonal road conditions and local holidays (the village customs office has limited hours).<\/p>Planning Note<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Frequently Asked Questions About Hotel Arbez<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    \n
  • Q:<\/strong> What makes Hotel Arbez unique?<\/em>
    A:<\/strong> Hotel Arbez Franco-Suisse is unique because it straddles the international border<\/strong> between France and Switzerland. The boundary cuts through its dining room, kitchen, and some guest rooms, so guests can literally be in two countries at once. For example, diners can sit with a French meal at one end of the table and a Swiss view at the other. It is famous as the only hotel where your bed or even your bathroom can lie in two nations simultaneously.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Q:<\/strong> Where exactly is Hotel Arbez located?<\/em>
    A:<\/strong> Hotel Arbez is in the village of La Cure<\/strong>, commune of Les Rousses in the French Jura (eastern France), right on the Swiss border. Its French address is 601 Rue de la Fronti\u00e8re, 39220 Les Rousses<\/em>. The border entrance immediately behind the hotel leads into the Swiss village of Saint-Cergue (Vaud). In coordinates, it sits at about 46\u00b027\u203251\u2033N, 6\u00b004\u203223\u2033E<\/strong>. It is roughly 41\u202fkm east of Geneva (about 40\u201345 minutes by road).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Q:<\/strong> Can you really sleep in two countries at the same time?<\/em>
    A:<\/strong> Yes. Some rooms are bisected by the border. The most famous example is the honeymoon suite, where the bed is split between France and Switzerland. In other rooms, you might brush your teeth in one country and floss in another (there is a room with its sink\/bathroom in France and the rest of the room in Switzerland). As a Cond\u00e9 Nast Traveler piece quips, guests can fall asleep \u201cwith their heads in France and their feet in Switzerland\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Q:<\/strong> What happened at Hotel Arbez during World War II?<\/em>
    A:<\/strong> During WWII, the Arbez family turned the hotel into an escape route for fugitives. The upper floors were neutral Swiss territory, which German soldiers could not legally enter. Max and Ang\u00e8le Arbez used this to hide Jews, resistance fighters, and Allied pilots, helping hundreds<\/strong> reach safety in Switzerland. For these actions, Max and Ang\u00e8le were later honored; Max was named Righteous Among Nations by Yad Vashem in 2012.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Q:<\/strong> Can the public visit Hotel Arbez without staying overnight?<\/em>
    A:<\/strong> Absolutely. The hotel welcomes day visitors (many come for lunch, dinner, or just to see the novelty). The dining room and bar are open to the public during operating hours, and you can freely cross the border inside without passport checks (it\u2019s all the same building). In summer the terrace and bar area are popular with travelers. There is no charge to enter\u2014just pay for whatever you consume. Staff are friendly to sightseers asking about the hotel\u2019s history and border.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Q:<\/strong> How do I book a room at Hotel Arbez and how much does it cost?<\/em>
    A:<\/strong> Rooms can be booked via the official hotel website<\/strong> or through the Logis Hotels reservation system (the hotel is part of that network). Prices vary by season, but as of 2024 standard rooms typically start around \u20ac100\u2013\u20ac150 per night (mid-range pricing for the Jura). The hotel occasionally offers special packages (for example, dinner-inclusive or winter-sports deals). Because the hotel is small and popular, it\u2019s wise to book well in advance during peak times (e.g. Christmas holidays or ski season).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Q:<\/strong> What amenities does Hotel Arbez offer?<\/em>
    A:<\/strong> Despite its rustic charm, Hotel Arbez provides modern basics: free Wi-Fi throughout<\/strong>, free<\/em> on-site parking, daily housekeeping, and a restaurant\/bar serving meals and drinks. Room amenities include private bathrooms (towels supplied) and heating. The hotel is pet-friendly (allowing dogs or cats for a small fee). There is no swimming pool or spa, so amenities focus on lodging and dining. Notably, the entire property is covered by French regulations (for example, the 2008 French indoor smoking ban was applied to the whole dining room).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Q:<\/strong> Are there other hotels or buildings on international borders?<\/em>
    A:<\/strong> Yes \u2013 though Hotel Arbez is one of the most famous, several other structures straddle borders. For example, in the town of Baarle (Belgium\/Netherlands) dozens of houses and shops lie in two nations. The Kalin Tavern sits on the Slovenia\u2013Croatia border, with a line painted through the bar floor. The Haskell Free Library & Opera House sits on the US\u2013Canada border (Vermont\/Quebec). Each of these \u201cline houses\u201d has its own story \u2013 usually rooted in historical treaties that left the building bisected. You can learn more about these in guides to Europe\u2019s oddities or by visiting atlasobscura.com and similar resources.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    Conclusion: Why Hotel Arbez Represents the Best of European Unity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Hotel Arbez Franco-Suisse is more than a curiosity; it is a living piece of history<\/strong> and a testament to European rapprochement. What began as a clever loophole around a 19th-century border dispute has become a quirky landmark where two nationalities share common ground. Over the years the Arbez family\u2019s inn has sheltered refugees, bridged cultures, and even hosted peace talks. Its brick-and-mortar presence reminds us that borders are human constructs \u2013 a point driven home when guests walk from one country to another simply by crossing a room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Today the hotel stands as a symbol of European unity in miniature. Behind the playful nickname \u201cArb\u00e9zie\u201d and the novelty of split rooms, Hotel Arbez offers a clear message: distinctions between neighbors can be set aside in one welcoming home. As travel writer Ken Jennings observed, whether one is eating, sleeping, or climbing the stairs at Arbez, \u201cyou can check in and then decide whether you\u2019re in the mood for a French vacation, or a Swiss one\u201d<\/em>. In the age of open borders, the Arbez experience is a charming reminder that the everyday paths we walk often transcend lines on a map.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    B\u1ea1n \u0111\u00e3 bao gi\u1edd m\u01a1 \u01b0\u1edbc \u0111\u01b0\u1ee3c th\u1ee9c d\u1eady \u1edf m\u1ed9t qu\u1ed1c gia v\u00e0 \u0103n s\u00e1ng \u1edf m\u1ed9t qu\u1ed1c gia kh\u00e1c m\u00e0 kh\u00f4ng c\u1ea7n r\u1eddi kh\u1ecfi ph\u00f2ng kh\u00e1ch s\u1ea1n c\u1ee7a m\u00ecnh ch\u01b0a? Gi\u1ea5c m\u01a1 s\u1ebd tr\u1edf th\u00e0nh hi\u1ec7n th\u1ef1c t\u1ea1i Hotel Arbez. N\u1eb1m gi\u1eefa Ph\u00e1p v\u00e0 Th\u1ee5y S\u0129, kh\u00e1ch s\u1ea1n \u0111\u1ed9c \u0111\u00e1o n\u00e0y mang \u0111\u1ebfn cho du kh\u00e1ch c\u01a1 h\u1ed9i tr\u1ea3i nghi\u1ec7m nh\u1eefng \u0111i\u1ec1u tuy\u1ec7t v\u1eddi nh\u1ea5t c\u1ee7a c\u1ea3 hai th\u1ebf gi\u1edbi ch\u1ec9 trong m\u1ed9t l\u1ea7n l\u01b0u tr\u00fa.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4830,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_eb_attr":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[19,5],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-589","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-unusual-places","8":"category-magazine"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/travelshelper.com\/vi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/589","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/travelshelper.com\/vi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/travelshelper.com\/vi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/travelshelper.com\/vi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/travelshelper.com\/vi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=589"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/travelshelper.com\/vi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/589\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/travelshelper.com\/vi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4830"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/travelshelper.com\/vi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=589"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/travelshelper.com\/vi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=589"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/travelshelper.com\/vi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=589"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}